THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team claimed its third consecutive victory while ending Central Arkansas' four-game streak, downing the Sugars Bears, 68-52, Saturday afternoon in Stopher Gymnasium.
With the win, Nicholls (16-10, 10-4 SLC) improved to 9-1 at home and remained in third place tie in the Southland Conference standings. The Colonels also swept the season series against Central Arkansas (11-13, 6-8 SLC) for the first time since 2015.
Only six Colonels scored in the victory, but four finished in double figures. Tykeria Williams scored a game-high 17 points and went 3 of 7 from 3-point range, hitting all three from downtown in the first half to spark the Colonels' early separation. She sank one right before the first-quarter buzzer for a 15-7 lead, and then put the advantage at double figures with a 3-ball to start the second.
Nicholls led 30-23 at the half and went up as much as 17 in the third. The Colonels held UCA to a lone field goal in the first four minutes, outscoring the Sugar Bears 12-2 during the stretch. Central Arkansas never came any closer than 10 points the rest of the game.
Chrystal Ezechukwu notched her second double-double of the season, totaling 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. She had six boards on the offensive end, helping Nicholls to a 20-8 advantage in second-chance points.
Cassidy Barrios finished with 14 points and added eight rebounds, a career-high five blocks, and four assists. She was a perfect 8 of 8 at the free throw line as Nicholls made 23 of 28 in the win. Airi Hamilton chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds.
UCA was led on offense by Kamry Orr with 12 points and four assists.
UP NEXT
Nicholls will head to Lake Charles Wednesday (Feb. 27) for a rematch with McNeese. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Cowgirls were responsible for the Colonels' lone home loss this season, defeating Nicholls, 69-68, on Jan. 16.
TICKET INFO
Get season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. For the latest news on Nicholls women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_WBB.
